Smart glasses translation: how it works with Rokid Glasses

Smart glasses with a display can show translated speech as text in view. Rokid Glasses, the model sold by SightPhones, can show supported translations on a private display. You read the text while facing the speaker, with occasional glances towards the display. SightPhones sells these glasses; this guide combines setup information with a personal account of using translation in professional conversations.

Translation in professional conversations

I have mainly used translation in professional settings, including meetings with people who do not speak English. I felt that we understood one another and could discuss commercial terms clearly. Having translated text available helped me follow the conversation.

A good mobile-data or Wi-Fi connection has mattered in my use. The translation has felt quick, but words were sometimes skipped. I check important wording directly with the speaker.

See the display in the existing product demo, then compare glasses and battery packages. The footage illustrates the display experience, rather than measuring translation or meeting-subtitle accuracy.

The basic mechanics

The microphones capture speech for translation and the display shows the translated text. Meeting subtitles serve a different purpose: they show spoken words as text without translating them. I also use the glasses to record meetings; that is separate from reading text during the conversation.

Does translation work without internet?

Yes, for the six supported offline languages once setup is complete. First pair and activate the glasses through Hi Rokid, then download the appropriate language model. Online translation requires a network connection. Offline voice-pack downloads have additional phone requirements; check that your phone supports the mode you intend to use. Rokid's setup and compatibility guidance explains the distinction.

Which languages are supported?

Rokid Glasses currently support 89 languages for online translation and six offline: English, Chinese, Japanese, French, German and Spanish. Download the languages you need in Hi Rokid before travelling to use offline translation. These are the current counts in Rokid's translation guide, checked on 6 October 2026. Availability may vary with region, firmware, app version and network conditions; check the languages available in your current app.

In a separate social demonstration to friends in a busy bar, we switched among Spanish, Russian and English. The translation worked very well for that conversation and prompted an immediate wow reaction.

Spoken translation vs text translation

The glasses handle two distinct translation tasks. The first is spoken conversation: someone speaks, the glasses translate what they said into text in your vision. The second is text translation: point the camera at a sign, a menu, or a document, and the glasses translate the text.

The experience described here concerns spoken conversation; camera-based text translation is a separate feature.

What is reading translations like?

I needed a few minutes to get used to reading translations. I alternated between looking at the person speaking and glancing down to read the display, so eye contact was not continuous.

When friends tried the glasses, some saw the text clearly immediately; others needed the nosepads adjusted. Clear positioning is part of getting started. I find the fit a little awkward, but translation itself has not felt especially awkward in public beyond adjusting the fit and glancing at the display.

A useful feature, not a solved problem

For me, the useful part is having translated words available during a conversation. It has helped professional meetings along, while still asking me to divide attention between the person and the text. See the full review for meeting subtitles, recording and everyday features, or the FAQ for app and subscription questions.

For a broader look at the features, read What AI glasses are actually good for.